Research article summary (published 29 Apr 2008):

Implicit proactive interference, age, and automatic versus controlled retrieval strategies.

Full Abstract

We assessed the extent to which implicit proactive interference results from automatic versus controlled retrieval among younger and older adults. During a study phase, targets (e.g., "ALLERGY") either were or were not preceded by nontarget competitors (e.g., "ANALOGY"). After a filled interval, the participants were asked to complete word fragments, some of which cued studied words (e.g., "A_L_ _GY"). Retrieval strategies were identified by the difference in response speed between a phase containing fragments that cued only new words and a phase that included a mix of fragments cuing old and new words. Previous results were replicated: Proactive interference was found in implicit memory, and the negative effects were greater for older than for younger adults. Novel findings demonstrate two retrieval processes that contribute to interference: an automatic one that is age invariant and a controlled process that can reduce the magnitude of the automatic interference effects. The controlled process, however, is used effectively only by younger adults. This pattern of findings potentially explains age differences in susceptibility to proactive interference.

Author information

Author/s: Ikier, Simay (S); Yang, Lixia (L); Hasher, Lynn (L);

Affiliation: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Yeditepe University, Kayisdagi-Istanbul, Turkey. ikier(-atsign-)yeditepe.edu.tr

Grants: R37 AG 04306 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Psychological science : a journal of the American Psychological Society / APS (Psychol Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-May; vol 19 (issue 5) : pp 456-61

Dates: Created 2008/05/09; Completed 2008/08/21;

PMID: 18466406, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Age Factors Aged Aging - psychology Cues Female Humans Male Mental Recall - physiology

Middle Aged Neuropsychological Tests - statistics & numerical data Paired-Associate Learning - physiology Pattern Recognition, Visual - physiology Proactive Inhibition Reaction Time - physiology Recognition (Psychology) - physiology Retention (Psychology) - physiology Students - psychology Task Performance and Analysis

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